New round of State Project Improvement grants now open

Source: Washington Department of Commerce, September 28, 2021

Up to $4.5 million available for energy retrofits in public buildings

Commerce is now accepting applications for over $4.5 million in grants through the Energy Retrofits for Public Buildings – State Project Improvement (SPI) Grants program.

Deadline: Phase 1 applications are due at 4 p.m. Oct. 20, 2021.

SPI Grants provide additional funding for state agencies to redesign building projects already funded by the state Office of Financial Management (OFM) to increase energy efficiency and environmental performance. Grants cover added costs for choosing more efficient options, such as higher efficiency heating systems or windows, in projects at existing state-owned buildings. These upgrades help cut energy costs, reduce pollution and improve the health and comfort of state buildings in communities across the state.

Washington’s 2021 State Energy Strategy identifies energy efficiency in buildings as a core strategy for meeting climate goals. It targets a 26% reduction in energy use in buildings by 2050. These targets and the work of the State Efficiency and Environmental Performance (SEEP) Office demonstrate the state’s commitment to lead by example with public capital projects.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must be a state agency named by the State Efficiency and Environmental Performance (SEEP) office Executive Order 20-01.

Eligible Projects

Projects must be currently funded for minor works, stand-alone or emergency repairs at facilities owned by an eligible agency. The project must repair or replace existing building systems, such as HVAC, lighting, insulation, windows or other mechanical systems.

All eligible projects must submit a Phase I application with basic information about the project, and those that meet minimum qualifications will be invited to submit a Phase II application.

Emergency Repair projects. Projects that receive funding through the Governor’s Emergency Fund may submit a Phase I application at any time. Commerce will complete an expedited review and award process for these time-sensitive projects.

Visit the SPI Grants webpage for all application materials, further information on minimum qualifications and program priorities and to register for a virtual pre-application conference.  

If you have questions, please email energyretrofits@commerce.wa.gov. No phone calls please.

Register now: Oct. 5 Pre-application conference

Learn about program guidelines and ask questions during our online pre-application conference at 1 p.m. on Oct. 5. Attendance is optional but recommended. Visit the SPI Grants webpage to register.

REGISTER